Expert: PAPAJACK - 12/30/2008

Question
Hi PapaJack
How can a 1968 PR69 DCAM Lincoln Cent be also graded as PR69 CAM and/or PR69 RD. If the coin(s) are removed from the OGP and then graded & slabbed how can there be such a disparity? I do not have these coins, but found this on a few online FMV price lists on the Internet. I have seen this in other coins as well.
Thank you.

Answer
Hello Steve,              

I am not too sure of the question you are asking, but I will do my best.

The grading of the coin is separate from the other attributes.
The grade is decided by the state of preservation the coin is in. If the dies that struck the coin fully imparted each and every detail to the finished product and there was no defect in the coin blank used and the proper oil and grease were in the correct amounts in only the needed places the coin would be born a grade 70 on the Sheldon Coin scale. Providing there was no mechanical error like play in the press or jamming of the feeders or damage sustained from falling out of the machine into a bin of other coins.

The other attributes assigned to the coins are usually visually appealing qualities.
A red coin is assigned to a Copper Coin that retains the natural color of the alloy. Some blanks are darker than others before they are even made.

A Cameo effect is imparted by specially treated Dies at the mint. The first coins made using these dies have the best appearance and toward the end of the die life they may produce a shiny circulation quality finish.

For a Deep Cameo finish all the above are concerns and while being judged the grader must decide the contrast ratio between the mirrored Background and the frosted devices in the coin design.

The mint merely releases all the coins in assembled sets since the 1960’s.  Some in the sets are already different grades and some are even damaged.

A collector or dealer will open the sets knowing that at least one coin in the set will grade so high it will sell for more than the set cost.

These coins get sent to the “Third Party Graders” and come back encapsulated and graded. Some with the added attributes you mention.

Now with this background information I am trying to get to your main question. You see every coin is not coming from the US Mint in grade 70 or even Mint State-69 or Proof-69. Many do not grade higher than 66 in the old days.

Also different third party company’s us different descriptors for a similar attribute.
Deep Cameo by one is called Ultra Cameo by another etc… One company used a “*” star on the holder to denote the coin was unusually bright for the particular series and had better eye-appeal although it graded the same as another.

Please feel free to write me again. If I have misunderstood your question, or with any question you may have on USA Coins.

Good Luck and Have a good New Year,

PapaJack